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PUBLISHER'S NOTE
Jainism is an integral part of India's rich religious and cultural heritage. The study of the Jaina Canonical texts pave the way for advanced spiritual thoughts. We discern in them the truth that souls are eternal and the universe is also eternal. The operational key is the theory of Karma which determines the movement of the individual soul in the material world. The Jaina ethics embraces the notion of compassion and harmlessness. Jainism admits plurality of souls and stresses on self discipline and ascetic living, extinction of all attractions and repulsions is the passage way to liberation. Like the upward movement of the flame of fire, the liberated soul goes to the top of the universe, never to return again.
In the 6th century B.C., Lord Mahāvīra, the 24th Tīrthankara revealed these truths to the world. Later his revelations were recorded by scholars and the vast store-house of Jaina canonical literature was created. Mahāvīra stressed on the importance of human life, proclaiming that liberation can be achieved in human state only. He preached that only one who possesses Right Faith can acquire Right knowledge and become capable of Right Conduct. Action without knowledge and knowledge without action has no meaning. Right Faith, Right Knowledge and Right Conduct are the three jewels of Jaina Wisdom. Mahāvīra also laid great emphasis on the practice of the five great vows of non-violence, truth, non-possessiveness, non-stealing and celibacy.
Mr. Dulichand Jain, the author of this book has meticulously chosen inspiring sūtras ( Aphorisms ) from the various Jaina texts and compiled them. His classification of the sūtras under various headings is very much in keeping with the spirit of the Jaina tradition.
Author's approach in translation of the verses is very simple and lucid. By his detached and intellectual rendering he has suc
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